Indian sports wrap, July 6: Deepika’s goal nominated for Poligras Magic Skill Award
HOCKEY
Deepika’s field goal against Netherlands nominated for Poligras Magic Skill Award
Indian Women’s Hockey Team forward Deepika has been nominated for the Poligras Magic Skill Award for her incredible solo field goal against World No.1, the Netherlands, during the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League season.
Deepika’s iconic moment took place in February 2025 during the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League when the Indian Team defeated the Netherlands in shootout after a 2-2 draw at the Kalinga Stadium.
In the 35th minute, Deepika dribbled down the left flank brilliantly as she went around the Netherlands’ backline, kissed the baseline, dinked the ball over a defender’s stick and finished the move with a wonderful strike past the keeper and into the net.
“That goal against the Netherlands is one of the most special moments of my career. Everything just clicked and it helped us equalise and win the game in shootout,” the 21-year-old attacker said.
The winner of the Poligras Magic Skill Award is decided by hockey fans across the world through an online vote.
– Team Sportstar
SQUASH
Rathika Seelan finishes runner-up at Women’s City of Greater Shepparton International 2025
Rathika Seelan, seeded 8th, achieved her best result on foreign soil by finishing runner-up at the Women’s City of Greater Shepparton International 2025, held at the Goulburn Valley Squash Centre, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia.
In the semi-final, Rathika battled past her opponent in a five-game thriller to win 11–6, 7–11, 4–11, 11–9, 11–9 in 47 minutes.
She went down in the final to the defending champion Gigi Yeung, losing 5–11, 2–11, 5–11.
This performance follows her title win at the HCL Indian Tour in May last year.
– Team Sportstar
